Martin Lawrence shares memories of Tommy Ford on Good Day

ATLANTA - Martin Lawrence appeared on Good Day Atlanta Thursday morning, the day after his former "Martin" co-star passed away.

“I can’t say enough about him, he is truly going to be missed,” Said Lawrence.

He went on to say, “We were friends before the Martin Show and we got to bring that friendship on camera.”

Actor Tommy Ford, 52, died Wednesday at an Atlanta-area hospital, according to friends close to the actor.

Ford is known for his role as Tommy Strawn, Martin Lawrence's best friend, on the 90’s sitcom hit “Martin". He also appeared in TV shows including "New York Undercover," "The Parkers" and "Who's Got Jokes."

According to a report from TMZ, Ford suffered an aneurysm in his abdomen several days before his death. He was first hospitalized Sunday, and later was placed on life support as his condition worsened. TMZ reports that Ford's family decided Wednesday afternoon to remove him from life support.

Ford played the role of Tommy Strawn for all five seasons of "Martin". The show aired from 1992 through 1997. Co-stars from "Martin" and other figures from the entertainment world posted tributes to Ford on social media following news of his death Wednesday.

Plenty of celebrities in the Atlanta entertainment community said they were shocked and saddened over the ordeal, after hearing from Ford days before. His Instagram page documented his recovery from knee replacement surgery.

People described Ford as a quiet and reserved person who was loved by plenty of people, and was passionate about developing his craft.

"I'm stunned," said musician and long-time friend Tony Terry. "He was a genuine guy... a man's man. The kind of friend you want in your life," he said.

"He's quiet and reserved. He loves to tell jokes. He loved to make people laugh-- and he loves to give knowledge," said musician J. Holiday, with whom he collaborated on stage projects. He said the actor used his talents to mentor other artists.

"He probably didn't realize how big he was," Holiday said.

Ford was known in the Atlanta area community for his contributions to kids, from speaking out against bullying at local schools, to writing children's books about encouraging kids to stay in school and away from drugs.

An email to Ford's representative was not returned Wednesday evening, for more details on his death.